Logged Out Because I Can't Stand Myself

[Mom&Provider]

I'm not even sure what to say...this ****s. I think everyone has been fair in saying the parents will most certainly be upset, you'll have to explain exactly what happened and I'd have a list of things that will prevent it in future - even if it means you won't be taking the kids in the car anymore.

I hope everything goes ok (as well as can be expected) at pick-up and its a lesson learned without making you feel any worse then you already do.

[DaisyMamma]

You never know, they might not be upset.
Hang in there.
I hope it goes well.

[MarinaVanessa]

This is killing me. I am so worried about you and I am not even sure who you are.

Know that I am thinking about you and hoping for this to turn out okay. (((((HUGS)))))

Ditto here too. Ive been thinking about this all day and thinking about how nervous/awful/stressed out I'd feel. Like you said Crystal, some places differ in their strictness and if this happened to me here in CA I'd be facing a minimum of license suspension until I either quit transporting or I created a plan of action that appeased licensing. I'd be a wreck also.

I've heard of fcc providers that had dealt with something similar and their licenses were suspended through the investigation. One decided just to give up her license because it became so tough on her but in another case a parent filed a complaint because her dc providers car stalled and she got out to push it while she allowed a 10 yo child to steer the car and she didn't even receive a citation.

[earlystart]

Wow, I'm going to be honest, my first reaction was "I wouldn't be telling ANYONE about this!" because I would assume the worst case scenario could include criminal prosecution or the very least, closure of my daycare. Of course, that wouldn't be the "right" thing to do, and the 3 year old is old enough to tell her parents anyway. Maybe it isn't as big of a deal as I think it is, but I come from California, where kids die in the the car every year on hot days, so it's pretty much the same as saying I accidentally left a baby in the middle of the street, thank goodness no one hit and killed her. Thank goodness the kid is alive, but I can see a parent completely losing trust in you (I would), because what would have stopped you from forgetting on a hot day and the kid dies? As a parent, that's what I wouldn't be able to get over. If I had made that mistake, I wouldn't trust myself anymore and would hope licensing gives me a better policy to go by than what I was doing before.

I'm sorry this reply was so harsh, I just thought I'd share my views since they were a little different than others, to give more perspective. Thank you for sharing your story however, because it was an honest mistake, obviously you would never want this to happen, and by sharing it you have reminded other people to take a look at their policies to make sure we're doing all we can do to prevent these heart-attack inducing mistakes.

[daycare]

Ditto here too. Ive been thinking about this all day and thinking about how nervous/awful/stressed out I'd feel. Like you said Crystal, some places differ in their strictness and if this happened to me here in CA I'd be facing a minimum of license suspension until I either quit transporting or I created a plan of action that appeased licensing. I'd be a wreck also.

I've heard of fcc providers that had dealt with something similar and their licenses were suspended through the investigation. One decided just to give up her license because it became so tough on her but in another case a parent filed a complaint because her dc providers car stalled and she got out to push it while she allowed a 10 yo child to steer the car and she didn't even receive a citation.

she allowed a 10 yo child to steer the car and she didn't even receive a citation.


wow that is crazy..............................................

[Crystal]

OP....please let us know how this turns out. Know that we are all concerned about you and you will recieve no judgement on my part. While it was a dangerous mistake, it was obviously just that, a mistake.

[mbullette]

I feel so bad for you. Just remember we are all human and makes mistakes. This has always been a fear of mine so that is why I don't travel with my daycare kids. If we cant walk to wherever we are going then we dont go. It's just safer that way. Just be honest with the parents and they might surprise you and be understanding. You deal with kids and we all forget.

[snips&snails]

Wow, I'm going to be honest, my first reaction was "I wouldn't be telling ANYONE about this!" because I would assume the worst case scenario could include criminal prosecution or the very least, closure of my daycare. Of course, that wouldn't be the "right" thing to do, and the 3 year old is old enough to tell her parents anyway. Maybe it isn't as big of a deal as I think it is, but I come from California, where kids die in the the car every year on hot days, so it's pretty much the same as saying I accidentally left a baby in the middle of the street, thank goodness no one hit and killed her. Thank goodness the kid is alive, but I can see a parent completely losing trust in you (I would), because what would have stopped you from forgetting on a hot day and the kid dies? As a parent, that's what I wouldn't be able to get over. If I had made that mistake, I wouldn't trust myself anymore and would hope licensing gives me a better policy to go by than what I was doing before.

I'm sorry this reply was so harsh, I just thought I'd share my views since they were a little different than others, to give more perspective. Thank you for sharing your story however, because it was an honest mistake, obviously you would never want this to happen, and by sharing it you have reminded other people to take a look at their policies to make sure we're doing all we can do to prevent these heart-attack inducing mistakes.

Yes I am in CA & this was my first thought too - but on the other hand it was clearly an accident & wow what a scary spot to be in. HAving worked at a center that lost a child (on a school campus, the bus driver let him on the bus & then let him off at a stop later total nigtmare) I would:

* Really think about giving up field trips. I would not allow my son's preschool to take him on outings without me it very risky, I am always amazed how many providers do!I wouldn't even let my mother take him in the car when she babysat because she once was tired & forgot my niece, in the summer no less, & thankfully remembered her within a couple minutes

* Institute a roster/check in where you check off every child both upon unloading & before heading back to your house

After the lost child incident we had to count constantly & I am still so in the habit that if I am near a group of children I start counting them automatically

The good news is, no one was hurt & I can almost guarantee you will never make this mistake again! Good luck!

[mom2many]

OP....please let us know how this turns out. Know that we are all concerned about you and you will recieve no judgement on my part. While it was a dangerous mistake, it was obviously just that, a mistake.

My thoughts exactly. This has been on my mind all day and I've been thinking about you...hoping it all works out okay.

[Unregistered]

Thank you so much for your support. All six families were amazing. I cried when telling half of them, one I talked to on the phone and she brought me a willows angel gift/thinking of u card. The girls parents were totally fine and told me that Im a wonderful teacher and it doesn't change their opinion of me. All families told me do NOT call licensing because they trust me and don't want to lose me.

Amazing families, all told me a story about parenting mistakes. I still feel terrible though

[Michael]

Thank you so much for your support. All six families were amazing. I cried when telling half of them, one I talked to on the phone and she brought me a willows angel gift/thinking of u card. The girls parents were totally fine and told me that Im a wonderful teacher and it doesn't change their opinion of me. All families told me do NOT call licensing because they trust me and don't want to lose me.

Amazing families, all told me a story about parenting mistakes. I still feel terrible though

That's great to hear.

[Loveyoustinkyface]

Oh that is wonderful how understanding (and humane) your family's are!! I know you must still feel guilty, but something like this will make you a better caregiver. I feel so relieved for you!

[CedarCreek]

Wow, that is really great that your parents were so understanding!

[daycarediva]

What an awesome outcome. Dck is fine, parents were understanding and you learned a hard mistake without a hard consequence. YAY! happyface

[NeedaVaca]

That's awesome news! My mom had 7 other siblings and told me tons of stories about how her parents were always leaving one of them behind at church and whatnot It's a lot more scary these days but mistakes happen. Try to enjoy your weekend now!! You have great families!